Title I

Most educators, parents and community members have heard the term Title I School thrown loosely around, but what is it? Title I is the nation's oldest and largest federally funded program, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) supports reforms and innovations to improve educational opportunities for low-income students. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), a reauthorization of ESEA, was signed into law on January 8, 2002 and represents the most significant changes to educational policy in over 35 years. In December 2015, President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which again reauthorized ESEA.

ESSA includes provisions that broaden the definitions of educational excellence, while maintaining critical civil rights for all students. In addition, ESSA includes provisions designed to focus on providing students the diverse, integrated curriculum and learning experiences necessary for a well-rounded education. Title I, Part A of ESSA is designed to provide all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TITLE I FUNDING?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the purpose of Title I funding, “is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments."

HOW ARE TITLE I FUNDS USED?

Title I funds can be used to improve curriculum, make available instructional activities, provide counseling services, increase parental involvement, increase staff and support program improvement. In summary, Title I funds provide services and educational programs to help students achieve.

PARENTS' RIGHTS

All Title I schools are required to employ only state-certified teachers and highly-qualified instructional paraprofessionals. If at any time your child is taught by teacher who is not certified, your school will notify you. In addition, you have the right to:

· Request whether your child's teacher and/or paraprofessional meet the state certification or qualification requirements for the grade levels and subject areas in which they provide instruction.

· Request whether a teacher and/or paraprofessional is teaching under emergency or other provisional status where state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

· Request information on the baccalaureate degree major of a teacher and/or paraprofessional and any other graduate certification or degree held by the

teacher and/or paraprofessional, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

If you would like to receive this information, please contact Eastbrook Elementary at 407-746-7955.